Integrated Pest Management
Overview
The National Park Service implements a nationwide Integrated Pest Management Program to reduce risks to the public, park resources, and the environment from pests and pest-related management strategies.
What is Integrated Pest Management or IPM?
IPM is a science-based, decision making process that coordinates knowledge of pest biology, the environment and available technology to prevent unacceptable levels of pest damage, by cost-effective means, while posing the least possible risk to people, resources and the environment.
What is a Pest?
Pests, as defined by National Park Service policy, are living organisms
that interfere with the purpose or management objective of a specific
site within a park, or that jeopardize human health or safety.
IPM History in the National Park Service (NPS)
The National Park Service began implementing IPM in 1979 when a Presidential
Memorandum issued by President Carter directed all federal agencies
to adopt an IPM approach in all procurement and regulatory policies
and pest management activities.
Today the NPS IPM Program employs one servicewide and nine regional IPM coordinators skilled in the principles of IPM to provide guidance and technical assistance to park managers addressing pest issues. Pests are investigated and managed on a case by case basis with management strategies tailored to the specific characteristics of the individual site and pest biology. Pest management plans are prepared to address both short and long term pest management solutions.
The NPS as well as the US Fish and Wildlife Service implement an 11 Step Process for Developing and Implementing an Integrated Pest Management Strategy. This process is suitable when addressing any pest situation.
The National IPM Road Map also provides guidance and support to all citizens as well as federal agencies when managing pest species.IPM Legislation
Federal agencies are directed by Title 7 (136r-1) Federal Insecticide Fungicide Rodenticide Act to implement an IMP approach in procurement and pest management strategies.
Title 7 USC 136r-1 Federal Fungicide Insecticide and Rodenticide
Act states: "The Secretary of Agriculture, in cooperation
with the Administrator, shall implement research, demonstration,
and education programs to support adoption of Integrated Pest Management.
Integrated Pest Management is a sustainable approach to managing
pests by combining biological, cultural, physical, and chemical
tools in a way that minimizes economic, health, and environmental
risks. The Secretary of Agriculture and the Administrator shall
make information on Integrated Pest Management widely available
to pesticide users, including Federal agencies. Federal agencies
shall use Integrated Pest Management techniques in carrying out
pest management activities and shall promote Integrated Pest Management
through procurement and regulatory policies and other activities".
National Park Service
Management Policies, Section 4.4.5
Department
of Interior, Departmental Manual part 517, Inegrated Pest Management (November 2006)